MOTS-c: a peptide the mitochondrial genome encodes, and what the research examines

Published 9 October 2026 · REVIVE LAB UAE Research Desk · 5 min read
MOTS-c is a 16-amino-acid peptide encoded in the mitochondrial genome rather than the nuclear one, described by Changhan Lee, Pinchas Cohen and colleagues in Cell Metabolism in 2015. Research into it centres on metabolic regulation, with mechanistic interest in the AMPK pathway and the folate-methionine cycle. The published work is preclinical and cell-based.

Why its origin is the interesting part

Almost every protein in a human cell is encoded in nuclear DNA. Mitochondria carry their own small genome, long understood to encode a handful of components of the respiratory chain and little else.

MOTS-c belongs to a small group of peptides found to be encoded within that mitochondrial genome — a short open reading frame inside the 12S rRNA region. That placement is what drew attention: it implies a signalling route from mitochondrion to nucleus, which is a different thing from a peptide that merely acts on mitochondria.

Much of the interest in MOTS-c is therefore mechanistic rather than applied. It is studied because of what its existence suggests about how the two genomes communicate.

What the published work covers

The 2015 Cell Metabolism paper reported MOTS-c in models of metabolic regulation and described effects on the folate-methionine cycle and on AMPK activation. Work since has examined it in cell and animal models of insulin sensitivity, exercise response and age-related metabolic change.

It remains a preclinical literature. No part of it supports a claim about a human outcome, and REVIVE LAB UAE supplies the compound as a research material with no dosing or administration guidance.

What ships

The MOTS-c Pack holds one 10 mg vial of lyophilised peptide together with a 3 mL bacteriostatic water vial, boxed under a single batch record with the lot certificate and an RVL verification code. A pre-filled pen format is also stocked.

Lyophilised peptide is kept frozen; once reconstituted it is refrigerated and protected from repeated warming.

What it costs

FormatStrengthPriceAvailability
MOTS-c Pack10 mgAED 800In stock
MOTS-c Pen10 mgAED 900In stock

Delivery is AED 40 flat and free on orders over AED 700. Payment is cash on delivery anywhere in the UAE, or USDT (TRC20) in advance, which takes 5% off the order total.

Frequently asked

Why its origin is the interesting part?

Almost every protein in a human cell is encoded in nuclear DNA. Mitochondria carry their own small genome, long understood to encode a handful of components of the respiratory chain and little else.

Does REVIVE LAB UAE provide dosing guidance?

No. REVIVE LAB UAE supplies research materials and provides no dosing, administration or protocol guidance of any kind. Every product is sold for laboratory research use only and is not for human or veterinary consumption.

How fast is delivery in the UAE?

Stock is held in Dubai. An order confirmed before 4 PM Dubai time is dispatched the same working day, reaching Dubai and Abu Dhabi the same day and the remaining emirates within 24 hours. Delivery is AED 40 flat and free over AED 700.

MOTS-c Pack — in stock, dispatched from Dubai
HPLC-verified, lot certificate on every carton, 24-hour delivery nationwide. Browse the catalogue → All peptides UAE

Related reading

Supplied for laboratory research use only. Not for human or veterinary consumption. REVIVE LAB UAE provides no dosing, administration or protocol guidance.